Georgia State University

Combining academic rigour with a rich college experience since 1913, Georgia State University transforms the lives of students, advances the frontiers of knowledge and shapes future leaders. Enrolling one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, the university provides associate-to-graduate-degree-level educational opportunities for tens of thousands across its downtown Atlanta Campus and five Perimeter College campuses. Graduating students from all backgrounds at equal, high rates, Georgia State is the national model for student success.

Georgia State University (GSU) has a rich and evolving history that dates back over a century. Originally established as the Georgia State Normal School in 1913, the institution was primarily focused on training teachers to meet the educational needs of Georgia's growing population. Its founding was driven by the state's recognition of the importance of quality education and teacher preparation, laying the groundwork for its future expansion and development.

In 1933, the school was renamed Georgia State College for Women, reflecting its broader academic offerings beyond teacher training. Over the decades, the institution continued to grow both in size and academic scope, adding new programs and facilities. During this period, it became a comprehensive college, expanding its curriculum to include liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies, and serving as a key educational resource for the Atlanta community.

The pivotal moment in the university’s history came in 1947 when it officially became Georgia State University. This change marked its transition to a comprehensive, urban research university committed to serving the diverse needs of the metropolitan Atlanta area. The university began emphasizing research, graduate education, and community engagement, transforming into a major institution dedicated to innovation, economic development, and social progress.

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st, Georgia State University experienced rapid growth. It expanded its campus with new buildings, research centers, and partnerships with local industries. The university also diversified its student body and academic programs, becoming a leading institution for urban higher education. Its focus on inclusion and accessibility helped make higher education attainable for a broad demographic of students.

Today, Georgia State University stands as a prominent public research university in the southeastern United States. Its history of adaptation and expansion reflects its commitment to providing quality education, fostering research, and contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of Atlanta and beyond. The university’s legacy continues to evolve as it embraces new technologies, disciplines, and community needs, maintaining its position as a vital institution in higher education

Georgia State University offers undergraduate and graduate programs, attracting students from around the world. Some of the most popular undergraduate courses include Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, Criminal Justice, and Marketing. These programs are highly regarded for their comprehensive curricula, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections.

In graduate studies, Georgia State University is well-known for its Business Administration programs, including an MBA that emphasizes experiential learning and leadership development. The university’s College of Education offers advanced degrees in areas such as Educational Leadership and Special Education, catering to aspiring educators and administrators. Additionally, graduate programs in Public Health, Nursing, and Data Science are increasingly popular.

The Business Administration program at Georgia State is notable due to its location in Atlanta, a major business hub. Students benefit from internships, partnerships with local companies, and networking opportunities that enhance employability upon graduation. Similarly, the Psychology and Biology programs attract students interested in research and clinical careers, supported by state-of-the-art labs and faculty involved in cutting-edge research.

Georgia State University also emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and innovative programs such as Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, and Urban Studies. These courses are designed to meet the evolving demands of the job market and provide students with practical skills and knowledge. Overall, the university’s popular courses are characterized by their relevance, practical orientation, and strong connections to industry and research opportunities. 

Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business offers MBA programs that have got recognition both nationally and globally. The college's Executive MBA (EMBA) program is particularly distinguished, ranked 20th nationally and 7th among public universities by CEO Magazine in 2025. Additionally, the EMBA program holds the 21st position nationally and 11th among publics, with the 3rd highest alumni satisfaction in the U.S., according to the Financial Times in 2023 .
 

The Part-time MBA program at Robinson College is also highly regarded, securing the 35th spot nationally and 22nd among public universities in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings . This program is designed to accommodate working professionals, offering flexibility and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership roles across various industries.
 

On the global stage, the Executive MBA program is ranked between 111th and 120th worldwide by TopMBA in 2025 . While it does not appear in the Financial Times' Global MBA rankings, the program's strong national standings and alumni satisfaction scores underscore its competitive edge and the quality of education provided at Georgia State University

Georgia State’s 100-acre-plus campus in the heart of Atlanta overlaps with some of the country’s most influential businesses and organizations. Through proximity and key university relationships, students, staff and faculty enjoy unparalleled access to major attractions, industries and city opportunities. A hub of activity and productivity, the university brings enterprise to downtown and helps drive Atlanta’s economy. Five Perimeter campus locations connect with the cities and communities of Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton and Alpharetta, expanding Georgia State's reach across the metro area.

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2. "Georgia State University Fact Book 2018–2019" (PDF). 
3. "Public Interest Technology University Network". 
4. "Georgia State is Selected to Join the Public Interest Technology University Network". Georgia State University News Hub. 
5. "University Innovation Alliance". 
6. U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 
7. "University System of Georgia All Budgets for Fiscal Year 2020" (PDF). 
8. "The Atlanta Voice".
9. "Meet the Provost – Nicolle Parsons-Pollard, Ph.D." 
10. "Enrollment" (PDF). 
11. "Georgia State University home page". 
12. "Google Maps". 
13. "Typography & Color". Georgia State University.
14. "Georgia State, Leading U.S. in Black Graduates, Is Engine of Social Mobility". The New York Times. 
15. "Georgia State University Part-Time Job Fair- Atlanta Campus". Forbes. 
16. "The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education – Georgia State University". Indiana University. 
17. "Georgia State Facts". 
18. "University Library FDLD Profile Details". U.S. Government Federal Depository Library Program. 
19. "Law Library FDLD Profile Details". U.S. Government Federal Depository Library Program. 
20. "State Impact". Retrieved July 18, 2019.
21. "History". Main Street Master Plan. Georgia State University. 
22. "Evening Signal, 1933-10-02". Digital Collections.